George Hosfield, CFA, discusses Ferguson Wellman's quarterly strategy titled, "Inflation's Flame Flickers," which addresses the narrow market leadership, the impact of higher interest rates on inflation and how assets are priced at this stage of the economic cycle.
George Hosfield, CFA, discusses the firm's quarterly strategy titled "Stalemate," which highlights the Fed's ongoing battle to tame inflation along with our views on the health of the banking industry and capital market expectations for the balance of the year.
Director and Chief Investment Officer George Hosfield, CFA, discusses the Fed raising interest rates, peaking inflation and our view on equities and volatility across all asset classes in our Investment Strategy titled, “Balancing Act.”
In our most recent Wealth Management Insights publication, Scott Christianson, CFP®, explained the importance of beneficiary designation in estate planning and the different options to ensure that assets are distributed to the intended heirs.
In our most recent Wealth Management Insights publication, Charissa Anderson, CFP®, CDFA®, explained why it is important to name a successor owner for a 529 account and discussed gift and estate tax implications relating to the account.
The debate about the value of a four-year college degree has received renewed attention in light of media reports showing annual total costs exceeding $100,000. Understandably, many families are reconsidering their higher education plans and evaluating other options including two-year degrees, trade schools, or a combination of starting at community college and then transferring after pre-requisites have been completed.
In our most recent Wealth Management Insights publication, Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA, provided a primer on considerations when naming minors beneficiaries of retirement and other financial accounts.
Scott Christianson, CFP®, discusses ways in which a well-intentioned estate plan can misalign with the deceased family member's intentions and how to avoid pitfalls related to beneficiary designations.
Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA®, provides an overview of important issues to consider when making legacy plans with children and grandchildren in mind.
Tyler Conroy, CFP®, writes about the IRS waiving required minimum distributions in 2024 and shares a resource for individuals for whom this may apply.
We present our second quarter 2024 issue of Wealth Management Insights titled “Planning for our Children’s Future.” In it, Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA®, discusses the crucial aspects to consider when planning for the distribution of assets for minor children. Scott Christianson, CFP®, writes about planning ahead for unanticipated outcomes in our estate plans and what we can do with estate planning to avoid major pitfalls and Charissa Anderson, CFP®, CDFA®, provides a considerations when saving for education and utilizing a 529 account.
As April 15 draws closer, individuals across the country are filing their tax returns, some of whom are anxiously awaiting the results.
Maximizing retirement savings is an important goal for many couples. While there are a variety of tax-advantaged accounts that allow individuals to save for retirement, most are only available to those with earned income during the year.
As we move into the new year, we want to provide you with the latest 2024 Annual Limits Guide from the College for Financial Planning® . This guide contains many of the important financial and tax planning numbers that may apply to you in the year ahead. Staying up-to-date and proactive with these figures can help you maximize your financial opportunities and make informed decisions throughout the year.
In the 1950’s Harry Markowitz published his article “Portfolio Selection” which set the framework for what he dubbed Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT). This theory became so widely adopted that Markowitz was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1989. A basic tenant of the investment philosophy outlined by MPT says that diversification of portfolios reduces the volatility of the portfolio, which in turn can improve investment performance over multiple market cycles.
As the year draws to a close, it’s good practice to take stock of your financial situation, finish any important financial transactions by the end of the year and begin to look ahead to the next one. It can be helpful to refresh yourself on some of the key numbers related to year-end tax planning and take a peek at how they will change next year so that you can tackle any final items for 2023 and begin to plan for 2024.
With the addition of a new family member, we are often asked what further steps should be taken, and what should be done to prepare. In the same way you prepare the nursery or child’s room, there are financial considerations worthy of attention.
Ferguson Wellman Capital Management was listed 73 out of 100 in the U.S. on Barron’s* annual “2023 Top 100 RIA Firms” list and in The Wall Street Journal.* Ferguson Wellman is the only registered investment advisory (RIA) firm recognized in Oregon.
We present the recording of the “Wealth Management Insights Forum: Impactful Planning through Life’s Phases.”
With a complex and ever-changing tax and financial landscape, individuals and businesses rely heavily on the expertise of tax professionals, including Certified Public Accountants and Enrolled Agents, to manage their financial affairs, ensure compliance with tax laws and make informed financial decisions.
Presenting the fourth quarter 2023 publication of Wealth Management Insights titled, “Gifting IRA Funds to Charity and Other Smart Philanthropic Strategies.”
With summer winding down and fall ramping up, many households are looking towards a change in the seasons and fall activities. For those older than age 65 and on Medicare, an annual review of medical insurance coverage may reduce medical costs over time.
